| 摘要 |
A plurality of support modules (14), is secured to a chassis (12). Each support module has at least one anatomy conforming support element for contact with a portion of the human anatomy and a deformable member or segment that positions the anatomy conforming support element with respect to both the human anatomy and the chassis. In one embodiment, the support module is first formed from a generally planar sheet member having at least two supporting elements separated by a relatively deformable portion of the planar sheet member. Thereafter, the sheet member is bent into a preform to conform to the general shape of the human anatomy. At least a part of this bending occurs about a predetermined axis (or axes) that lies (or lie) in the relatively deformable portion (or portions) of the sheet member. Further bending of the preform along each predetermined bending axis can be employed to custom fit the preformed support module to the specific anatomy of the individual. Such bending takes place about the predetermined bending axis because the relatively deformable portion of the sheet member deforms before the supporting element(s) even though the bending force is applied in a non-normal, but not parallel direction to the bending axis. The axis of bending is related to the human anatomy and to the chassis. Preferably, in the case of plural bending axes, the relative degree of bendability of the deformable portions is controlled to achieve bending about each axis without affecting the previously bent portions of the support module. |
